Asymmetrical Blouses

Asymmetrical Blouses

Asymmetric Hem, Neckline or Button Line

An asymmetrical blouse is any blouse where one side differs from the other, and the difference can sit in several places. The most common is the hem. A hem cut on a diagonal, longer on one side than the other, gives movement and a relaxed shape. A handkerchief hem falls in soft points, like a square scarf held at its center, and a high-low hem is shorter at the front than at the back.

The neckline is the next place. A one-shoulder neckline leaves one shoulder bare, and a cowl or draped neckline falls lower on one side. For tops that bare both shoulders evenly, see the off the shoulder blouses page. A side-draped neckline gathers into a seam near one shoulder, which looks elegant for evening.

The button line can also shift. On an asymmetric button-up, the placket runs off-center or on a diagonal from collar to hem, which turns a familiar shirt into something more unusual. Layered styles, with an outer panel cut at an angle over a straight layer, create the same off-balance effect.

Prints can do it too. Ombre dyes that fade from one side to the other and geometric patterns placed off-center give a straight blouse an asymmetric look without changing the cut. More patterns like these fill the printed blouses page.

What Body Types Suit Asymmetric Tops?

Asymmetric tops suit most figures because a diagonal line moves the eye across the body instead of holding it in one place. A diagonal hem breaks up the hip line, which balances a pear shape, and on a straight figure it adds movement where there are few curves.

On a fuller bust, a draped or angled neckline opens the chest without a deep V. On a petite frame, a subtle asymmetry works best, such as a hem that dips only a few inches, since a very long point can shorten the leg. Tall women can wear dramatic points and long diagonal panels with ease.

Fabric makes a difference as well. Soft jersey and chiffon let the angles hang gently, while crisp cotton keeps them sharp and graphic. If you are new to the look, start with a soft fabric and a small angle, then try stronger shapes once you know how they sit on you.

What Age Group Wears Asymmetric Tops?

Every age group wears them. Younger women often choose sharp, cropped angles, but softer versions are just as popular with women in their 50s, 60s and beyond. A handkerchief hem in a light fabric is especially easy to wear at any age, because the points move gracefully and cover the hips from several angles.

For a relaxed, grown-up look, choose a gentle diagonal hem, a draped neckline or a layered top in a fluid fabric over stiff, extreme cuts. Muted geometric prints, ombre dyes in soft grays and blues, and marl knits all suit everyday wear. For more comfortable everyday styles, the casual blouses page includes a section on tops for older women.

What Bottoms to Wear With an Asymmetrical Top?

An asymmetrical top already has plenty going on at the hem, so straight, simple bottoms work best. Slim or straight-leg trousers and jeans follow a clean vertical line that contrasts with the angles above.

Leggings suit longer handkerchief and high-low styles that reach toward tunic length, and the tunic blouses page covers those longer shapes. A pencil skirt or a straight midi skirt gives a polished look for work or dinner.

A tiered or ruffled skirt tends to compete with an angled hem, so keep one of the two pieces plain. With a draped or one-shoulder neckline, keep jewelry at the ears and wrists and leave the neck bare. For office outfits built around a single interesting top, the work blouses page has more ideas.